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intrinsic

American  
[in-trin-sik, -zik] / ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /

adjective

  1. belonging to a thing by its very nature.

    the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

    Synonyms:
    true, natural, innate, native
    Antonyms:
    extrinsic, extrinsic
  2. Anatomy. (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.


intrinsic British  
/ ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

  2. anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part

    intrinsic muscles

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See essential.

Other Word Forms

  • intrinsically adverb

Etymology

Origin of intrinsic

First recorded in 1480–90; Middle English intrinsique “inner,” from Old French intrinseque “internal, inner,” from Late Latin intrinsecus “inward” (adjective), from Latin intrinsecus “on the inside, inwards” (adverb), equivalent to intrin- (from int(e)r-, as in interior + -im, an old accusative ending used as an adverb suffix + secus “beside,” derivative of sequī “to follow”)

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Existing models, even those developed in China, "have intrinsic bias towards Western values, culture and ethos -- as a product of being trained heavily on that consensus", Sai told AFP.

From Barron's

These unchanging things have intrinsic value and beauty that time can’t touch and that grow with age.

From The Wall Street Journal

‘We want inexpensive companies where we have a different view of intrinsic value than the market, with a catalyst.’

From MarketWatch

But those events tend to be intrinsic to business rather than externalities such as White House maneuvers or geopolitics.

From Los Angeles Times

"I wouldn't want to be a designer in Aston Martin. That's a very impressive set of wishbones on that car. Really, really intrinsic or interesting design."

From BBC